STORM: Powerlines over major highway, trees down

by Anna_Hartley

Anna Hartley
Journalist

I come from a small town called Peak Crossing and grew up in the country. I love the community atmosphere close-knit towns like Peak Crossing and Ipswich have. I firmly believe that everyone has a story to tell and my favourite part about journalism is meeting new and interesting people and sharing their stories. Send any news tips to anna.hartley@qt.com.au

Powerlines came down across Cunningham Hwy at about 5.17pm resulting in potentially deadly conditions for drivers.

Drivers were forced to manage themselves at intersections where traffic lights had stopped working while most Ipswich police resources were tied up diverting traffic on the highway.

George Palmer Park Silkstone after the storm. Photo: Lynette Duffy/Facebook

The power lines have now been removed from the highway, , which was blocked from the South Station Rd exit to the Swanbank overpass in both lanes, but Energex are still doing other repairs relating to the incident.

Energex is still working to restore power to homes in Dinmore, Flinders View, Mount Forbes, New Chum, Redbank and Riverview, with power expected to be restored by 10am.

Facebook site ISWTeam Storm Chasers released a video overnight of one case of damage in Redbank Plains where a large tree fell on a home.

Reports flooded in of trees down in Toogoolawah and East Ipswich and fallen powerlines on Whitehill Rd, Eastern Heights, Wildey Street, Raceview and Redbank Plains Rd, Bellbird Park.

Almost 10,000 homes in Ipswich had power outages overnight after 26,000 lightning strikes hit the city.

Power was also cut at police stations in Goodna, Harrisville, Karana Downs and Boonah.

This morning, more than 650 homes in Ipswich and 45 in the Somerset are still without power.